Food Network Delivers Best 2nd Quarter Ever

NEW YORK – June 25, 2012–Food Network delivers its highest-rated, most-watched 2nd quarter* ever posting a .6 among adults 25-54 (up 20 percent from 2011) making it ranked 7th* among ad-supported cable networks, up two spots from 2011. The quarter’s ratings delivery also ties as the network’s highest-rated quarter in network history, the most recent title holder being 1st quarter of this year. Food Network was watched nightly by an average of nearly 1.2 million total viewers (585k adults 25-54, up 17% vs. 2Q 2011).

Food Network Star season eight continues its success, having been watched by over 12 million adults 25-54 since its premiere in May and averaging a 1.0 adults 25-54 rating, up 28% over year ago time period delivery. The series culminates in a viewer vote to determine this year’s winner, revealed in the July finale on July 22nd.

Strong performances came from primetime network juggernauts Chopped, with its second installment of the ‘All Stars’ stunt having averaged a 1.3 adults 25-54, doubling year ago time period (+97%) and Restaurant: Impossible, whose new episodes have averaged a .9 adults 25-54 in 2nd quarter. Newcomers to the line-up, Mystery Diners (averaged .7 adults 25-54 rating, +40% year ago time period) and Restaurant Stakeout (averaged .8 adults 25-54, +58% year ago time period) were solid, resulting in season two pick-ups for both series to return this fall.

Stuart is a celebrity chef, food activist and award-winning food writer. He penned the cookbooks Third Coast Cuisine: Recipes of the Gulf of Mexico, No Sides Needed: 34 Recipes To Simplify Life and Amigeauxs - Mexican/Creole Fusion Cuisine. He hosts two Internet cooking shows "Everyday Gourmet" and "Little Grill Big Flavor." His recipes have been featured in Current, Lagniappe, Southern Tailgater, The Kitchen Hotline and on the Cooking Channel.